SF Boudin to give away loaves of sourdough bread at Nut Tree

The drama started with a police escort and will continue Feb. 13, when Boudin SF restaurant will open at the Nut Tree center in Vacaville. As part of the celebration, the first 100 people through the door at the 9 a.m. opening will win a free loaf of sourdough bread every day for a year — a $130,000 value. Camping in the parking lot is expected.

Boudin Bakery (pronounced “boo-deen”) began in San Francisco, and still uses the same “mother dough” starter to bake its sourdough bread. A piece of that dough, which was first cultured in 1849, was delivered by red minivan to Boudin SF in Vacaville on Wednesday. Two Vacaville motorcycle cops escorted the minvan during the last leg of the journey. We’re relieved to report that the starter dough was safely transferred to the store.

The Boudin mother ship is on Fisherman's Wharf, and the company has Boudin SF restaurants throughout California. One opened in Loehmann’s Plaza along Fair Oaks Boulevard in October 2007. Diners standing in line can pass the time by watching the bakers prepare raw sourdough rounds for the oven. The finished breads are gorgeous and are displayed behind the order counter.

Boudin SF in Vacaville is at 1620 East Monte Vista Ave., between East Monte Vista and Interstate 80. For more information: www.boudinbakery.com